Enriching Lives Through Jazz Education
The Cape May Jazz Festival Foundation music education outreach initiatives aim to bring the music from the Exit Zero Jazz Festival stages into the lives of students of all ages. Through the generous support of businesses and grants from cultural organizations and proceeds from the sale of Exit Zero Jazz Festival tickets, the Foundation provides students with opportunities to participate in Artist In Residence sessions through their school music programs, attend in school concerts by acclaimed performers, gain practical hands on experience in all facets of live music and festival production, and perform on the Festival Main Stage as a member of the David O. Clemans Student Big Band.
Josh Lawrence, 2025 Artist in Residence
Josh Lawrence, a trumpeter, composer, bandleader, and recording artist, has earned critical acclaim and is acknowledged as a "preeminent voice among young composers" (Downbeat 2017). Throughout his musical career, marked by numerous accolades and prestigious commissions, Lawrence has made significant contributions to the jazz continuum.
His artistic journey is illuminated by awards from institutions such as the Pew Center for Arts and Heritage, American Composers Forum, Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Chamber Music America, Come Hear North Carolina, and Festival of New Trumpet Music.
The Cape May Jazz Festival Foundation works with music educators in the Cape May County schools throughout the school calendar year to provide students the opportunity to learn and play under the guidance of a professional jazz musicians. Participating schools include Lower Township Regional High School, Middle Township High School, and Ocean City High School.
The Exit Zero Jazz Festival Student Big Band
